He's just an ordinary Joe: How Liverpool's Cole became a diddy man

Just before half time and Joe Cole was already trending on Twitter. Strange that, because he hadn't done very much. That’s the point.

Sean Lawrence, an Everton supporter, sent this verdict to his followers (@SeanyBoyoEFC). ‘Contrasts - 31 year old Leon Osman receives his first England call up today. Meanwhile its Joe Cole's 31st Birthday and his careers dead!’

Poor Joe. Even being ordinary is news now.

Head in hands: Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole (centre) reflects on a tough night after being hauled off

This was his first performance since being substituted and criticised by Brendan Rodgers for a lacklustre display against Swansea in the Capital One Cup. At least he lasted beyond 45 minutes this time.

He was in and out of this first half, occasionally getting to the ball, occasionally keeping it, occasionally looking like the player we remember.

Falling down: Joe Cole hits the floor as he fights for the ball with Anzhi Makhachkala's Chris Samba

He even had a header on goal, which bounced wide.

Up to then, playing just off the front line in a Liverpool team packed with reserves – which is why he got a starting place – the old Chelsea and West Ham No 10 couldn’t really get into the game.

But nor could Samuel Eto’o, until one driving run brought a spectacular save from Brad Jones.

Jonjo Shelvey is the precocious talent Joe Cole used to be. He gets on the ball, sprays a lovely weighted pass and sets the play. Liverpool, who could afford to lose last night (another reason Cole got a starting place) deserved to be level, but fell behind on the stroke of half time, which is how the game ended.

Diddy man: Cole shares his birthday with Ken Dodd

Not that Cole got to see out the whole 90 minutes as Brendan Rodgers opted to replace him after 76 minutes with Oussama Assaidi.

Back to Twitter, where Ian Abrahams (@BroadcastMoose) told his followers: ‘If it's your birthday you share it with Martin Peters, Alan Curbishley, Joe Cole, Aaron Hughes, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Bret Lee and Ken Dodd.’ So it’s not all bad news for Joe. He gets to share a birthday with the man responsible for Liverpool’s diddy men.